Is your Pet Fat? How to Tell
Not sure if your pet is overweight? Use this three-step test to determine if your pet may have put on a few extra pounds.
1. You should be able to feel your pet's backbone and ribs when you run your hands along their body. If you have to press to feel their ribs, there is too much fat on your pet.
2. When you look at your pet from above, you should be able to see a noticeable "waist" between the hips and the back of the rib cage.
3. When you look at your pet from the side, there should be a "tuck" in your pet's tummy. Their belly should go up from the bottom of the rib cage to inside the thighs. If the stomach hangs, there may be too much fat on your pet.
See Petside's tips about slimming down dogs and cat diets, and talk to your vet.
Top 10 Conditions
Petside: Get Started
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
-
- Locate a Hospital
- Find the nearest accredited animal hospital.
-
- Puppy Life
Register with Puppy Life to get the most for your puppy.
Specials
Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!
Comments (13)
Hide Posted Comments
dogluvr October 6, 2009 5:43 PM
oh oh looks like my dog & I need to jog a bit further.
I just took the above test and yup my pooch is chubs.
Jackie October 6, 2009 5:54 PM
I thought my dog needed to be a little more fed but thanks to
this test Now I know that she is in great shape!!;)
Sandi October 6, 2009 7:20 PM
My dog will only eat dog bones no dog food, don't know what to do?
Laura October 6, 2009 7:25 PM
My dog is not fat but definitely chubby. Being a miniature 1 pound is a lot! She used to eat only dog bones but I found that if the kibbles in her dish are all there is by the next day it's what she eats!
Cabrini October 6, 2009 7:44 PM
my cat is obese
cindy October 6, 2009 9:04 PM
my three dogs are in great shape--we exercise everyday with long walks and their diet all of their lives has been very good and we have been so current on shots and veternairy care--it lengthens te=heir life and provides you with such love and deep companionship!!!
Barb October 7, 2009 1:26 AM
I can't see my Peikinges's body because of all of the hair! I think she is overweight a bit. She is two yrs. old and she has always been starving from the time she was a baby! She eats 3x a day and has treats and she is obsessed with food. She loves to eat. My Chihuahua was the same and she was heavy. My Mom's male dog who lves here too is not obsessed with food at all and they are treated the same way and eat quality food. I guess it's time to cut back the meals. I hope she'll sleep without her PM food. :)
Linda October 7, 2009 8:20 AM
My chi has epilepsy and is on phenobar which gives him a huge apptite! He is on a weight mgt program but not successful at all. He gets fed twice a day and gets one "tweenie greenie" per day. That's it. He should only weigh 7lbs, but has gone up to 8.5. If anyone has any suggests pls help!!!! He is on a weight mgt program and gets so little food per day I feel guilty.
Sue October 7, 2009 10:01 PM
O.K. so my black lab may have issues, but were you talking about her or me?? lol
Paula October 8, 2009 3:55 PM
My bichon defintely qualifies as overweight. She's on a special food due to digestive issues and gets one prescription treat a day -- just not enough exercise -- just like her mom:>)
Doglever99 October 8, 2009 8:49 PM
My guinia pig is not overweight yay!
Vineeta Dsouza October 12, 2009 1:45 AM
My Pet is too fat....
Trudy Harteg October 16, 2009 7:17 AM
i had to put my Yorkie & Daschound on Healthwise ,the where getting to fat ,